stern 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstərn How to pronounce stern (audio)
Definition of sternnext
1
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint the army post's stern commander always had the utmost respect of those who served under him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance a stern receptionist took our names without even looking up

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stern

2 of 2

noun

as in beam

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stern contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stern are ascetic, austere, and severe. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

Where would ascetic be a reasonable alternative to stern?

In some situations, the words ascetic and stern are roughly equivalent. However, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

When can austere be used instead of stern?

The meanings of austere and stern largely overlap; however, austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial.

living an austere life in the country

When is severe a more appropriate choice than stern?

While the synonyms severe and stern are close in meaning, severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stern
Adjective
The swells rocked the boat violently, sent wave after wave over the stern, threw us sideways, and nearly tossed all of us into the ocean again and again. —Martin Suarez, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2025 The trolling motor itself relies on an industry-standard four-point mounting system to secure onto the stern of a variety of available kayak models. —New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
Governed by Saturn, this Earth sign is known for its ruthless ambition and long-term visions, making this lunar phase all the more stern and no-nonsense. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025 That led Judge Cannon to temporarily halt the proceedings and issue Routh a stern warning. —Greg Allen, NPR, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stern
  1. strict
  2. gruff
  3. beam
  4. harsh
  5. fierce
  6. authoritarian
  7. grim
  8. tough
Adjective
  • Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy.
    — Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Article 3 Section 5 of the Tennessee Constitution places strict limitations on the regular circumstances under which a governor can deploy guard troops.
    — Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2025
Definition of strict
Adjective
  • This pays off to some extent because Day-Lewis is such a mesmerizing presence, Ray’s gruff manner and terse communications hinting at dark mysteries to be revealed.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Panday plays a convincingly gruff tortured artist alongside Padda’s struggling ingenue, and most of the screen time is devoted to their pairing instead of introducing tertiary excess.
    — Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 13 Sep. 2025
Definition of gruff
Noun
  • Then the built‑in router beams Wi‑Fi around the camp.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Wood beams, terracotta floors, and antique furniture run through every property for a healthy dose of design inspiration.
    — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025
Definition of beam
Adjective
  • The triumphant narrative began to fray when exceedingly harsh lockdown measures could no longer contain the spread of the virus, and the staggering human cost in the name of protecting lives defied all logic.
    — Yangyang Cheng, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
  • There are no easy fixes, so figuring out how to cushion the harsh impact will be the basis of negotiations with other parties in the Japanese legislature, the Diet.
    — Jeff Kingston, Time, 4 Oct. 2025
Definition of harsh
Adjective
  • As Auberge continues expanding into urban markets and deepening its European presence, the challenge will be maintaining that fierce independence at scale.
    — Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Rescuers are struggling to reach at least 200 hikers trapped in a Mount Everest valley by an unexpectedly fierce weekend snowstorm that pounded the mountain with snow and heavy rain, according to Chinese state media CCTV.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • The developments led Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s socialist and authoritarian leader, to threaten to declare a state of emergency earlier this week.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The book is a policy handbook meant to address the realities of political life following the turmoil of the French Revolution, presenting a Christian alternative to both the authoritarian secular liberalism and counterrevolutionary movements of the day.
    — Indianapolis Star, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 2025
Definition of authoritarian
Adjective
  • Unlike the grim feeling around schools like Florida, everyone here desperately wants Venables to be the right guy.
    — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Jill Biden, meanwhile, is portrayed as a grim figure.
    — Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2025
Definition of grim
Adjective
  • Lammens was perhaps fortunate to escape sanction then (Stuart Atwell booked the forward for diving), but this was a valuable occasion ahead of tougher tests, beginning at Anfield.
    — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • There will be some tough picking in there, but typically the predicting business gets a little easier in region play.
    — Tyler Palmateer, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Oct. 2025
Definition of tough

Phrases Containing stern

Browse Nearby Words

sterlingness
stern
sternforemost
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Cite this Entry

“Stern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stern. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stern

Nglish: Translation of stern for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stern

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